PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for PTSD and MST. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records, authorize release of Vet Center records, and undergo a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted due to the evidence linking his current symptoms to his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran reported a mistake on the effective date for her PTSD service connection, and it was granted as of March 5, 2015.

The Board has dismissed the issues of TDIU and SMC because the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, have resulted in a combined rating of at least 60%, which satisfies the criteria for SMC. As such, there is no remaining question to be decided.

The Veteran's PTSD alone does not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining employment, as his other service-connected disability (blindness) is not considered in determining employability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to May 6, 2011 and in excess of 50 percent therefrom for PTSD due to new evidence indicating a worsening of symptoms. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed due to his death. His claim for PTSD with depression was granted, and the issue is no longer in appellate status.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD prior to June 10, 2015 and for a TDIU based on the need to readjudicate these issues in light of new evidence. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD after June 10, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD with depression and special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, with the Board finding that his symptoms more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, claimed as secondary to his PTSD, was denied. His request for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records from the Veteran's initial period of inactive duty training (IDT). The AOJ is instructed to make another inquiry for any records related to this period, specifically June 1988 to July 1988, and add a formal finding of unavailability if no additional records are found.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for skin disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and anxiety) is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of prostate cancer is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings of facial and posterior scalp scars, painful scars on the posterior scalp, and PTSD with depression and anxiety have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was initially rated at 30 percent prior to April 27, 2016. Effective from that date, his rating was increased to 100 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a new examination to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no service connection is granted for posttraumatic stress disorder or left leg injury/hip disability.